Assess the lesion that lead to your referral. If you have any other lesions that concern you, you should mention this at the time of your consultation.

Explain the nature of the skin lesion, and the potential implications of the diagnosis.

Explain how it can be treated surgically. This includes how the lesion needs to be removed, and how it is best reconstructed.

Outline any associated costs for your procedure.

Consent you for surgery.

At the end of your consultation you will be able to book a date for your surgery. All necessary hospital paperwork will be discussed at this time. You will receive clear instructions regarding your preparation for surgery.

The arrangements for your admission to hospital will have been clearly explained at the time of booking your surgery.

After your procedure, you will be in recovery for approximately 1.5 hrs.

You will be given some post-operative instructions to follow.
– These instructions will explain how to care for your wounds and when your post-op appointment with our nurse will be.

Once the hospital staff are happy with your recovery you will be discharged (if you have been booked for day surgery).
– You will be required to have someone pick you up from hospital and stay the night with you after a general anaesthetic or sedation.
– Hospital policies state you cannot take a taxi home by yourself after surgery.

All skin cancer surgery is performed under your health fund’s known GAP scheme**. The GAP for this surgery typically ranges from $200-$500 depending on: the type of skin cancer; where it is; the size of the lesion; and what kind of reconstruction is required. It’s best to check with your heath fund that you are covered for medically necessary plastic surgery including reconstruction after skin cancer excision. Most policies will cover the cost of skin cancer removal. Most funds only cover the cost of reconstruction under ‘top hospital’ policies.

A few common item numbers used for reconstruction after skin cancer surgery include:
45201 | 45451 | 45442 | 45562

**Please note: some health funds do not offer the known GAP scheme. In these cases larger out of pocket fees will be incurred.